During the January 20 episode of WWE NXT, Booker T hinted at the possibility that Josh Briggs could face release following WrestleMania 42. His comments came just before Briggs’ qualifier match for the NXT Title ladder match against Shiloh Hill, which Briggs ultimately lost. The remarks raised questions about Briggs’ WWE future and sparked discussions about the developmental system’s demands on young wrestlers like him.
Booker T Explains His Candid Comments on WWE’s Developmental System
On the Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T addressed the reaction to his statements and clarified his intentions. He acknowledged being straightforward but emphasized his motive to motivate the talent. Booker T remarked,
“Am I too real? Am I too real sometimes? When we get down to the nuts and bolts, the rubber to the road. Normally, when I talk about something, I’m pretty close and accurate to the situation. I don’t do anything or step on anybody’s toes. I do do things to motivate you.”
He further pointed out the realities of NXT as a developmental brand focused on preparing wrestlers for larger platforms like Raw, SmackDown, or even opportunities abroad, such as in Mexico.
“If you’re not getting yourself prepared to move to one of these promotions and doing it quickly, you might need to think about, ‘What do I need to do to get there? Who do I need to talk to to put me in that right frame of mind to get to that next level?’”
Booker T explained, urging wrestlers to engage in serious self-reflection about their careers.
Pressure on Rising Talent to Adapt Quickly or Face Release
Booker T highlighted the competitive and often unforgiving environment that young talent face within WWE’s developmental system. He stated,
“The young talent around me, they’re going to get it raw and as real as they can possibly get it. I need these guys to understand that if they don’t get it, they’re not going to be around very long. That’s what this business is all about. It’s about learning, keeping your ears open, watching the guys go out there who are doing it right, and trying to emulate that.”
With this in mind, he acknowledged the uncertainty in Briggs’ trajectory but asserted a commitment to supporting him in reaching his potential.
“We’ll keep him on the right track. Or not,”
Booker T concluded, emphasizing the dual possibility of success or release based on performance and attitude.
Josh Briggs’ Wrestling Career and WWE Involvement
Josh Briggs, notable for being the final EVOLVE Champion, signed with WWE in August 2020 shortly after WWE’s purchase of the EVOLVE promotion. Briggs made his in-ring WWE debut in the summer of 2021 on NXT and has since participated actively both as a singles competitor and as part of tag teams alongside Brooks Jensen and Yoshiki Inamura.
Additionally, Briggs has appeared in Pro Wrestling NOAH events due to WWE’s working relationship with the Japanese promotion. His recent competition includes accumulating 10 points in the 2024 N-1 Victory tournament, showcasing his international experience beyond NXT.
Implications of Booker T’s Remarks for Josh Briggs’ Career
Booker T’s comments underscore the high stakes for wrestlers in NXT, where limited windows for advancement mean those not quickly establishing themselves may risk losing their contracts. For Josh Briggs, who has demonstrated promise through his EVOLVE championship background and WWE appearances, these remarks reflect the pressures to elevate his performance ahead of WrestleMania 42 and beyond.
The coming months will be crucial for Briggs in proving his value within WWE’s competitive system, as decisions about roster retention often follow major events like WrestleMania. His ongoing development and ability to seize opportunities could determine whether he advances to the main roster or faces release.
